Here we are then, all set to witness another level of contest within ICC World Cup Qualifier 2018. Six teams will fight to secure the two remaining spot of ICC World Cup 2018 whereas three teams (barring Netherlands) will fight out to grab opportunity to gain/retain ODI status for coming four years.
PNG is still searching for their first win of the tourney where Nepal sew their wound with a win over Hong Kong. Honestly, both of their theme of this tournament was to gain/retain ODI status, for which they can’t cost this match. PNG is an associate member of ICC since 1973 AD. They claimed ODI status for the first time in 2014 after finishing fourth on ICC World Cup Qualifier 2014 where Nepal is yet to taste the favour of ODI status.
When they faced last time during ICC WCLC 2015-17, PNG overcome Nepal on both of the occasion. The losing side will confirm their relegation to division two where winner will stand tall for ODI status.
On another way, If Netherlands (who already confirmed their ODI status) beat Hong Kong then winner of this clash will obtain ODI status, if HK beat Netherlands then, winner need to fight it out with HK for the prestigious status. There is no any reserve day for this encounter so, in case if rain interrupt the play then Nepal (who finishes 4th in league table) will play 7th place play-off where PNG will play 9th place play-off.
The warrior, who united his side and brought up to this level all the way from Division V deserve to have ODI career for which Nepal must win this match. So this is the most important match for Nepal in their very young cricketing history.
Hot and sunny day on the card with 81° F as average temperature of the day. Rain is unlikely with only 9% probability as per forecast report.
SQUAD
NEPAL
Paras Khadka (c )
Dipendra Airee
Lalit Bhandari
Shakti Gauchan
Sompal Kami
Karan KC
Rohit Kumar
Sandeep Lamichhane
Gyanendra Malla
Dilip Nath
Lalit Rajbanshi
Basanta Regmi
Anil Sah
Aarif Sheikh
Sharad Vesawkar
Assad Vala ( c)
Charles Amini
Sese Bau
Mahuru Dai
Kiplin Doriga
Jason Kila
Vani Morea
Alei Nao
Damien Ravu
John Reva
Lega Siaka
Chad Soper
Tony Ura
Norman Vanua
Jack Vare.